According to the Hand Tools Institute, the association of American manufacturers of quality hand tools, safety is important—even with tool boxes.

A tool box is meant to hold tools, not to be stood upon, nor used as an anvil or saw horse. Strong, heavy-duty tool boxes are made out of steel and can be classified into three types: hand boxes, chests and cabinets. Cabinets, which usually would only be owned by professionals, are moun-ted on casters, while the smaller tool boxes are designed to be hand carried.

The portable type of tool box may have up to 5 drawers, a lift-out tray, and possibly a cantilevered tray that automatically opens out when the cover is lifted. All seams should be welded and smooth with no protruding edges to catch clothing or hands.

Tool chests are usually heavier and stronger and have a much greater capacity than tool boxes. The drawers—as many as 10 or more—on the better models can be secured with their own built-in locks. Some have a tote tray that can be removed for carrying only those tools needed for a particular job.

For safe and efficient use of tool boxes and chests:

• Lightly oil all moving parts at regular intervals.
• Use graphite, not oil, on locks and padlocks.
• Touch up all rusted spots, paying particular attention to the bottom of tool boxes.
• Line the bottom of drawers or trays with felt or scrap carpeting to protect tools.
• Check the handle: is it firmly attached to the tool box?
• Sand or file down any sharp edges that may damage clothes or fingers.
• Wipe away all grease and moisture from tools before storing them in the tool box or chest.

For more tips on hand tools and their storage, visit the Hand Tools Institute Web site, www.hti.org.

Two new 20-in. canvas tool bags are rugged looking and extra strong; feature internal pockets of various shapes and sizes; and are available with shoulder strap mounts. Klein Tools www.kleintools.com

Aluminum "pork chop" boxes feature an automotive style lock and latches for maximum security, as well as automotive style weather stripping to seal out dust and weather; can be mounted over the wheel well to maximize bed storage space; and are available in driver side and passenger side models. Knaack Manufacturing Co. www.knaack.com

Colorful, comprehensive 200-page catalog features more than 3,000 products; includes detailed product descriptions, color photographs, and quick reference guides; and can be customized with the distributor's logo, slogan and contact information. United American Sales, Inc. www.uasi.com

The Black Lights Roll Cab and Top Chest offer 7 and 4 drawers, respectively; feature a powder-coated gloss black outer cabinet with hand buffed drawer fronts in "Headlight Silver," "Mars Red," and "Deep Blue Purple" hues. Both units are spot welded every 3 in. for added strength; and include a patented lock system to prevent drawers from drifting open. Snap-On Tools www.snapon.com

Non-toxic towels offer a quick, safe way to remove soils from skin and industrial surfaces; and come in a non-citrus, water-based formula. Simple Green www.simplegreen.com

The H160D hydraulic hammer measures 116.2 in.; can be equipped with 7 different standards and special tools; and features an auto shut off, new accumulator design, and screw adjustment for the pressure control valve. Caterpillar, Inc. www.cat.com

The Rugby 200 is a laser for interior and general construction applications; has a working range up to 1,000 ft.; and features adjustable head speeds, scan mode, and H.I. elevation alert. Leica Geosystems, www.leica-geosystems.com

More than 60 products are outlined in this construction brochure. Lifters handle a variety of materials, and have proper tags and warning information attached for ASME and OSHA compliance. The Caldwell Group www.caldwellinc.com

Torque wrenches for tightening soil pipe couplings are available with either a T-handle, replaceable socket and unique locking collar, or as no-hub coupling wrenches that can be used with most 3/8-in. reversible electric drills. Wheeler-Rex www.wheelerrex.com